Data shows top 10 most-booked destinations for Canadian business travellers domestically and abroad

American Express Global Business Travel (“GBT”) has released new data highlighting the most visited destinations for Canadian business travellers. Developed urban metropolises continue to hold top positions as the most frequented destinations around the globe.

The data incorporates the booking details of outgoing travel from GBT’s Canadian customers between July 2015 and June 2016 and revealed the top destinations for domestic, U.S. and international travel. Consistent year-over-year, the top destinations outside of Canada are global cities New York and London, home to numerous company headquarters, conferences and conventions, reliable transportation and international airports.

The data revealed a few surprises including the addition of Hong Kong as the fourth most travelled to international destination. Hong Kong, which did not make the top 10 list the year previous, maintains strong relations and good cooperation with Canada on a large range of topics including public health, legal matters, and trade and investment. Additionally, Hong Kong boasts one of the largest Canadian communities abroad, a factor which may contribute to the increase in business travel.

Toronto continues to lead as the top destination for travel within Canada. While many other locations on the domestic list maintained their positions, a significant drop in business travel to Alberta was noticed. Calgary, Edmonton and Fort McMurray, while still on the top 10 list, had much less activity with data indicating a decline of 56.4% for Fort McMurray.

In addition to unveiling the top destinations, the data revealed how Canadian business travellers are booking. Results showed a significant increase in the number of bookings made online versus phone with an impressive 59.5% of employees choosing to book their business travel online this year, a 19.5% increase over last year. Moreover, just over 80% of travellers who booked online required no support from a travel counsellor over the course of their travel experience, likely indicating that business travellers are becoming more comfortable and confident managing travel online.

“The data shows that many Canadian business travellers are going further than ever, a clear indication of the enduring value of business travel,” said Jacinthe Ladouceur, Vice President and General Manager of American Express Global Business Travel Canada. “Understanding that today’s road warriors are more technologically savvy than ever before,  GBT’s commitment to offering our customers  personalized and convenient solutions that deliver seamless business travel experiences continues to be of utmost importance.”

Toronto leads as top domestic destination

As the most populous city in Canada, Toronto year-over-year remains the number one destination for Canadian business travellers domestically. Calgary moves down the ranks into third position, replaced by Montreal in the number two spot. Vancouver claimed the fourth position.

Source: American Express Global Business Travel Insights tool with booking detail from all Canadian customers between July 2015 and June 2016.

East Coast dominates within the U.S.

New York, Chicago, Newark, Boston and San Francisco maintain their position as the top five destinations for North American business travel. Houston, previously the sixth most visited destination, does not make the list this year while Los Angeles lands tenth position.

Source: American Express Global Business Travel Insights tool with booking detail from all Canadian customers between July 2015 and June 2016.

European cities top the list for most-booked international travel with destinations in Asia following closely

European cities continue to lead the international business destinations for Canadians. Hong Kong replaces Cancun, which does not make a top 10 ranking this year, for the fourth position as a destination that previously was not on the list. This may be a positive sign for Canada and Hong Kong’s relationship strengthened by shared business and common values, as well as an increase of Canadian headquarters based in this international city.

Source: American Express Global Business Travel Insights tool with booking detail from all Canadian customers between July 2015 and June 2016.